Microsoft Windows includes a Virtual Memory section that enables you to increase the memory of a specific computer drive. For example, turning off the automatic paging file size, selecting the computer drive and entering a new value in MB will give a custom size for your computer’s memory. As an alternative, you can remove unwanted or underperforming programs to help free up memory and improve your computer’s performance.

1. Press and hold the "Windows-X" to open the Quick Link menu, then select "System" to open the window.

2. Click "Advanced System Settings" in the sidebar to open the dialog box and then select the "Advanced" tab.

3. Click "Settings" in the Performance section to open the dialog box, then click the "Advanced" tab to display the sections, including Virtual Memory. Click "Change" in the Virtual Memory section to open the Virtual Memory dialog box.

4. Deselect "Automatically manage paging file size for all drives" to access the Drive list box, then select the drive. For example, click "C:" if that drive contains the virtual memory or paging file you want to increase.

5. Select the radio button for "Custom Size" and then enter the value in megabytes in the "Initial Size (MB)" or "Maximum Size (MB):" field. Click "Set" and then click "OK" to update your computer and close this dialog box.

6. Click "OK" to close the Virtual Memory dialog box, then click "OK" to close the Performance Options dialog box. Click "OK" to close the System Properties dialog box. Close the System window.

Tips

Press "Windows-X" to open the Quick Link menu and then select "Task Manager" to view the amount of memory programs are using.

To remove seldom-used programs and free up memory, press the "Windows" key and type "Control Panel," click "Control Panel" and then select "Programs and Features." Select the program to uninstall and then click "Uninstall."

Warning

Information in this article applies to Windows 8 Pro. It may vary slightly or significantly with other versions or products.